Sector 301

Genius at work.

2012-10-04T11:29:00.000-04:00

So surfing aroung the net I ran into a blog that had reviewed these pencils.

Now this is just genius. Looking at them on differen site they are always marketed as just fun little doo-dads.

To a gamer, especially one who uses d6 systems this is incredible. Why didnt I think of this!? type of thing.

Of course I am not about to pay $2 dollars for one pencil. Especially when I'll need 10 or more.

So I got the pencils we normally use:

I grabbed a pen, and from the metal peice down made the dots. 1-6 dots. Then grabbed a permanent marker and filled in the dots, now I have my own dice pencils. EXCELLENT!

Dont need to carry dice around in my bag anymore.

I'll post pics later of how I did my own pencils.

First expansion. Its Block war maaaann.

2012-09-24T10:00:00.001-04:00

Well I have been on vaction so I am late to update. Mongoose Publishing has released the first expansion for the Judge Dredd Miniatures Game. Its Block war!!! As promised they have introduced new rules, new factions and more background to MC1.

It also appears they have upped the scale on most of the art in this expansion. More pages pop out and catch your eye. The formating has definitly been standardized making everything much easier to read.

As you can see the book is out but it is up to us players to really flesh it out. We as the players need to explain what rules are broken, give ideas for new rules or even expand on existing ones.

We need to rally all who are looking towards this game to join the forums, submit theier ideas point out he mistakes and things that just don't make sense. This game exists becuase we allow it to.

Let us make it better than the rest!!

Wall Defense Duty

2012-09-20T15:44:00.000-04:00

They wait patiently just down the street. Waiting for the violent mutants to come over.

Judge Jeffery has been assigned to guard section 26 of the wall surrounding the Hab zone. The precogs have foreseen a large contingent mutants will attempt enter the city through this weakened portion wall.

After hours of uneventful duty, Judge Jeffery spots the dust cloud in the night. This was going to be larger than expected. She called for support team. Unfortunately all judges were busy, they sent one man. Judge Coronado in Holocaust HS/1 Armor. She smiled, now things were even.

They opened fire and took out as much as they could, unfortunately the sheer mass of gunfire made them fall back, they decided to take them on as they came over.

The mutants massed at the wall, they sent their grapples and raced to what could be a better life.

Both judges move up cautiously, awaiting a moment when they could stop the advance.

A strange birdman attempted to go on solo, Judge Jeffery ordered a halt. The bird man ignored this order, the idea of unradiated food making his mind numb. Thanks to judge Coronado's widowmaker he wont taste anything.

The mutants decide to mob the two judges, they have the numbers, how bad could it be?

Judge Coronado jumped into the mob trusting his life to the HS/1 suit. He voice amplified by the suit to freeze and desist attempts to enter. As he expected they kept going. They did not fire upon him so he would not use deadly force. His armored fists were as useful as any daystick. many went down easily.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now unfortunately at the point we had to call the game. As anyone can see the Holocaust judge was incredible. He jumped into the fray (charging 30in) with 4 enemies. 1 escaped but 3 went down without a flinch. The HS/1 is a truly powerful model. I can only imagine what destruction the HS/2 can bring to the table.

So are these models expensive? Only about as much as a character of many other tabletop Wargames.

Is the model fun painting? Yes sir, lots of open space and little details.

Is the model worth the points? It is worth the points and then some. This is a mercenary you should always have in your sidelines.

The Space Valkyrie

2012-09-19T10:22:00.000-04:00

This model is just beautiful. She strikes as a sci fi heroin without being portrayed in a damsel stereotype. The two pistols and the dynamic pose are just a treat. I cant say enough nice things about this model, other than how hard it was to do it any justice.

Couch Commando

2012-09-17T10:20:00.000-04:00

One player type that always got me was the Sci Fi Couch Commando. They come equipped with all the best tech, guns, goggles, gloves and what have you to be able to take out a whole company of troops without even diving for cover.

If they knew how to use all the stuff.

These character builds always make me smile. The idea that their character will grow into a munchkin strikes me as funny. Ninety percent of the time they don't even finish that path, they become the rogue, or the problem solver or something else their character is more suited too.

This model is slightly converted from a Horror Clix model. Obviously not wielding the rifle too well. Just my idea that he would like to know what he is doing. Along with having all the bits and bobs and grenades and doohickeys.

The down side of inks.

2012-09-15T19:40:00.000-04:00

Now inks may seem like a great way of getting a quick even paint job on a model with maximum detail left. Unfortuanalty that maximum detail can bite you.

These models look great from the table, but upon closer insepction the downfall of inks is visible. I had a grainy prime coat.

The hair (which is not ink) has covered up the grainy primer, so it looks good.

Better lighting just accents the grain. Beautiful from table top though.

Where as I made sure these two had a smooth prime coat.

Dredd Kickstarter

2012-09-13T15:55:00.001-04:00

Anyone who has read my blog nows I chose the Judge Dredd miniature game as my rulest of choice for wargaming.
Not only are the rules simple (my kids understand them, thats what counts), it doesn't take loads of models to play. Pick up a few peices for $4.50 (1/3 the price of a certain grimdark games characters). Heck you dont even have to buy mini's, you can use any you already own. For instance, they dont have a large selection of mutants, so Kroot, Orks and heroclix to save the day.
Also the rules are made and tested by the players. Some ideas and rules we have made in our gaming group have actually made it into the game. (*pllleemm* * hurk* *cadet prices* *cough* *bionics* *ahem* *hrm* *cough*)

The rules are set by faction but they are so generalised you can find one for any model you have.... except maybe a milita/army.

You see, what great about this game is unlike other compnaies where they choose to support the army that sells the best, this game is almost truly run by the players. We complained we wanted Lawmaster, we are getting them. We complained we wanted Citi-Def (apartmant guards) here they come, we want old geezers and civs, here they come! A rule still seems wrong, it gets changed/corrected.
But that is what this kickstarter is for, militias armies, mobs! It's BLOCK WAR MAN!!! All to get them out faster!

In fact, it's astounding that I haven't mentioned it on this blog yet. Hmm, have to see to that in the near future.
Best news is that it was backed in under a day. YES! that means there will be new minis to chose form all themed correctly for the game.

Go here to support the cause!
Kickstarter for the Block War supplement

Matthew Sprange explains more on the video link. And today, dear readers, I found out that last name rhymes with "strange"... who knew?

Support this endeavor and May your Lawgiver always fire true.

Mad Scientist... kinda.

2012-09-13T09:27:00.000-04:00

Now everyone loves a good mad scientist. The inventions, the luaghs, the excuse to say things that make no sense and best of all the beards! This little guy from Reaper is CPT Nemo. Now Aopl;ogies, but I saw a Sci-Fi Mad Scientist. With the hard-suit, air tank, and clipping off the tip of the harpoon creates and Electro-Static Pump Gun or what have you.

I didnt even try for eyes on him. I didint want to ruin what little good I did.

I cant beleive I missed that little piece of flash. ARGH!!!

The new Holocuast.

2012-09-12T19:26:00.000-04:00

Well as sector 301 is an island surrounded by cursed earth, rad pits and a huge dilapatated wall stopping the denizens of the prior from getting in.

So it only stands that there would be huge uprisings and incredibly violent attempts to enter the city. Thus there is a constant need need for those willing to defend the city at any cost. Enter the Holocaust squad.

I had my duaghter repaint using inks. She had to be so careful she wa only able to do the legs before she handed it to me to finish.

This suit has some history, surviving the longest out any suit in Sector 301. The powerplant shows its age.

The autocannon is still the original it was constructed with, a fact that is all but unheard off in the holocuast squads.

Size comparison. This is something a certain Grim-Dark game complelty screwed. Having their power armor be bigger.

Now both models were painted using almost only inks. only detial that needed to be picked out were not inks. This method offers such an easy method of filling large areas while still leaving maximum detail. I'm finding that I'm liking inks.

+++Note+++ Inks are NOT just watered down paints. They are exactly what they sound like. INK. they do not wash out of clothes and stain woods and other materials.++++

Cadet Judges Models

2012-09-10T11:40:00.000-04:00

Firstly,
Why is it so difficult to find a good picture of a Cadet Judge online. Doing all mane of searches brought up near nothing. I coulnd't even find a pic of Cadet Giant. Sheesh.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program.

I have recently purchased some Cadet Judge models from the great Mongoose Publishing.
Now for those who play a Justice Dept list, I bleieve these juves are a neccessity so as to differentiate the minions from the regulars wich are all heros.

Now pulling them out of the baggies the first thing I noticed was flash. LOTS of flash, but before the first mutter of annoyance came out of my mouth I noticed it was all in strategic area. The hands and head. Easy places to clean up. So just minutes later of clipping they were clean.

Unfortunatly the Mold line on the Male Cadet's right side was a bit strong. Plus the angles of his dynamic pose made it difficult to clean. Thankfull all the filing did not have any effect on the details.

Mold line up the right side was a bit difficult.

Now after all the filing and cleaning you could really see the amount of detail and care put into these models. They depict very well the appearance of a cadet in training or out on the street learning the hard way.

They still clean up nice and paint even nicer.

I do believe the mold line cleaned up nicely.

Strange reporter

2012-09-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

In so many games, I have had someone try to be a non-human reporter. In many cases it was a class typical to an ork. The idea is sound, they are a little to dumb to make up things, so ALWAYS report the truth, and have the muscle to back up any problems they may run into.

Well this was my attempt at making a neutral non-human journalist. The camera was the hardest part, getting all the little pieces to stay put.

Every time I look at this model I feel like I should change out the axe for something else. Maybe just leave it a club or....

The camera... little pain in the...but happy with the result, especially the flash.

A Pulp Hero Appears!

2012-09-06T09:15:00.000-04:00

Now in games (mainly RPG) there is always the person who attmpts to play the sly, smart, sauve, yet battle ready hero. I beleive there is no better example of this type than the old Pulp Captain.

I attemempted to make the colors bright and lively awhile not contrast itself too much. Also what hero is herioc without soem type of Family Heirloom/relic/treasure/keepsake that they carry with them everywhere. In this case it is a large machete/sword/toothpick.

In my attempt to do eye my models seem to become ever more menacing to their suroundings.

The family sword, a litlle too large, but I didnt have too many bits I could use.

Again I don't see tha tmassive mistakes until I am posting.

Mechanic

2012-09-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

A beautiful little model, with the option of a big gun or a big wrench. I chose the wrench as the few times my wife does play along on anything she gravitates towards a builder/fixer. Now I tried to make the colors obviously feminine while adding a grit and dirtyness as expected from a builder.

This model really was a joy to paint, it is unfortunate that once agian o dont see the tons of mistakes until the pictures are up.

Dust size comparison

2012-09-01T08:56:00.000-04:00

I know for the longest time I saw those beautiful Dust tactics models and wondered if they would scale well with my other minis. Since no where I could find showed scale, I finally shelled out the $20 and got me a unit. I was surprised just how well they fit.

Many wonderful pics on the net but no sizes listed....ever!

SO if you were looking here is the answer. Next to the righteous Riot Judge.

More comparisons, with a lax Techie, charging Riot Judge, and foundry Psy. Size looks good You can also see here one I started painting.

Funny enough, I hadn't noticed that the GrimDark models were actually rather squat. Heroic 28mm my hide.

Now I don't have pics yet, but the material they use to cast these weird war minis is very pliable and ready to accept paint. No priming involved. Also weapons and equipment are separate pieces stuck on, so if you was to change out the weapon, you don't have to worry about plastic being left over it should all come off. Very nicely done.

So my 2 cents: This is how plastic minis should be made. Pre assembled but not as one lump. Not sure how FFG does it, but this is genius.

Techies rule!!

2012-08-30T08:40:00.000-04:00

Well due tot he fact that the last tech judge I had I converted to a Med Judge the only real solution (one my wife didn't like) is to get a new tech. No personally I still don't really like this model. Something abnout just doesnt Jive with me. Maybe it's the armored baseball cap, or the boom mike with the goggles. I dont know.

Well starting back up the "Soloish" game with my duaghter, I wanted a Riot Judge, I ended up with an electrical genuis with a hatred of robots. Go fig.

Either way, I figure every team needs a tech. All the computers, strange tech and just over all nuisance they can make of themselves makes them a must have in the RPG.

Story Problem Solved

2012-08-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

Well. My conundrum as to what method, what story to play has been answered. It was so simple... so awesome.

I have been planning and showcasing the rules to my daughter. Rules for everything I could think of. Now I have been doing this for the last few weeks. She enjoys it, we are spending time together, and I'm finding ways to stretch her imagination. Finally I sat down and started showing the diffrences between the Traveller system and the Savage Worlds System. She seemed interested, looking at dice, looking at character sheets. Iwas trying to explain the diffence between the Retro scifi and the Space Opera.

My daughter just didnt seem to be inclined, oh she loved the ship combat, but not with the full thrust rules. She liked the models, but not really the settings. I didnt know what to do. Until she asked:
"Why cant we do this with Judge Dredd?"
OF COURSE!!
I had bought the JD rulebook along with the traveller LBB. Plus she alredy has an interest in busting punks, assigning Isocube time, a squashing gangs with a well placed Daystick to a noggin.
I had adventures, character sheets, models. It was set up and it was something we both enjoyed. HECK! even my wife (her mother) butts in sometimes; "Do you really have to kill him? Is that a smart idea, he has a hostage? Would a Lawman really do something like that?"
Yes my wife seems to enjoy the fact that she can pull morality cards from this game.
So we had our path.

That night we set about making our Judge Dredd (Traveller) characters.

Home made Army Transport.

2012-08-27T17:02:00.001-04:00

So for this post I will do something a little different. I will be explaining how I make my own miniatures cases.

It all started when my wife just would not allow me to shell out 30 bucks for a case that hold approx 60 models. But it doesn't have space for larger models so I would have to buy another case that can handle larger models.

According to wife, not cost effective.

So my wife being the frugal woman she is (note: frugal is not cheap, just a deal finder) she found at micheals a nice case, and foam for half the price, it would just take some work.

The case is a rather good size. It is 14"1/8 x14"1/2 and 2" 1/2 in deep. This is deep enough for most all models. Each case was on sale at the time for about 6 bucks (USD). I can lay down tons of models, or stand them up and fit EVEN MORE! Now the picture on the right is of my daughters Crimson Fists chilling inside with a layer of quilt batting. This was the expedient solution until I was able to form fit the "good" foam you will see below. So price for 4, $24

Total: $24

Now the foam wasn't what I was expecting. It is a sheet of mattress type foam. ummmm ok. I swore I would figure it out though. After all I had already run out of storage for miniatures and wife says !nay! on nice pro made cases. Price for the sheet of foam. $18

Total: $42

Now obviously the first step is to fit the foam. Now I just used a metal ruler with eh cork backing, a black permanent marker, and a box cutter from the dollar store. Total price there was about 5 bucks.

Total: $47

Now to decide whether I wanted to lay them down or go for max space with them standing up. Well one thing I hate is cases that com in rows/columns of 8 or 6 or some such. Dang it, the average squad in wargames seems to be about 10 -15. So I guess I was standing them up for maximum space. i did a few test cuts. Made the circles for the base, then had to figure out how to cut them out with a non-pointy blade. So I had to learn how to cut out a small chunk of circular foam. After I though I had the hang of it I proceeded to finish the template.

The test and measuring.

The fittings

Even a transport. Beat that "army Transport.

As you can see the foam piled quickly. Also in order to fit in these commanders I had to do a little slit on the side in order for them to fit. I probably should have taken a pic of that.

Now the last thing I was missing was some stiffness. I thought of trying to cut a piece in half then gluing it down but.... holy smokes that was a bad Idea. SO I thought of using one thing we all have laying around. Card board. I cut out a n ice square then glued it down with good old fashion white glue.

I weighed it down for a few hours then voila!

It holds them in well enough to allow 90 degrees of tilt. Some like the plastic troops can even be upside down.

Transport for almost an entire Battleforce.

So in about 4 hours and about $35 dollars I was able to make a full transport for about 90 models and a vehicle. The total $47 worth of material should allow me room for a total of 4 vehicles and 360 models.
NOW THAT IS A DEAL!

The next day I made a real quick tray for spare models I use in my JDMG games.

Too many thoughts, No release.

2012-08-24T12:53:00.001-04:00

So I was sitting looking at my notes, all the different ideas, locations, paths, characters. Also just looking at some of the ideas on here. Yes I have 3 different systems I am actively thinking in (Judge Dredd miniatures game, Traveller, and Savage Worlds.)

Should I just pick 1 idea and work it from all angles?

Should I keep individual ideas for the 3 systems?

Or share two and keep one solo?

Hmmmmmmm. See, the Savage Worlds idea I liked due to its campy retro style. Rockets, Over the top heroes and truly evil bad guys.

Where as the Traveller I a moving more towards exploration, traveling (of course), and a sense of wonder.

Judge Dredd is just a miniatures game that I try to link the fights, but is fun.

I feel like I should just pick one story/idea and then just make rules for (both/all three) systems. Which would be simpler and allow me to go greatly in depth.
This dilemma reminds me of the Outer Limits intro speech:
" We are now controlling the transmission, we control the horizontal and the vertical. We can deluge you with a thousand channels or expand one single image to crystal clarity... and beyond. We can shape your vision to anything our imagination can conceive."

Hmmmmm. I don't know. I just don;t know. Then again the Savage Worlds adventure is already written out in the book, I just have to convert everything.

Ohhhh if only I had a gaming group, then I wouldn't run into these dilemmas. I would actually be able to react and imagine, not just plan and plan and plan.

I keep posting....

2012-08-19T11:20:00.000-04:00

Now it has come to me that I keep posting character ideas, story ideas etc. I post them very infrequently. Yet I never actually finish them.

This is your standard government issue "note book". No one seems to know what they are really called so everyone just refers to them as "green books". As you can see I like to personalize a little bit. Just a small sampling of the way I take notes.

You see I'm currently in the military, I'm biding my time to get out. Only about 11 more months. I have no friends, no real acquaintances. I haven't hung out in.... at least six years. I have gamed in about ten.

Out of all my friends prior I had the most complete collection of gaming book around. Deadlands and Shadowrun were my specialties, and I had all the books possible at the time. Of course I also had the staples like D&D, WoD and some strange ones like Men in Black, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, even Alternity. Over the years I bought books here and there just out of curiosity, knowing I would never use them.
I actually lugged them around with me for about eight years. That is a HEAVY load.
Finally about two years ago I got stationed close enough to be able to see them on a very infrequent basis. So I took all my gaming books and brought them up to my best friend who was/is considered the second best GM in the group. The footlocker weighed in at a health 93lbs. That's allot of rules.
Funny enough, my friend has been running two campaigns I wrote (one for Shadowrun and one for D&D) for the last year. It took him almost a year just to compile all the notes, maps, npcs, etc. that I had made. Then he ran them. They play almost every Sunday night. Play one for a few then switch back to the other to not get burned out.
I had him help me get it out of the car. He really didn't know what I had in the foot locker. When he opened it and saw all the books, picked up graph books, spirals and stenos, he was truly awed. Then did his best to not take them, talked about how he couldn't just take years of my imagination. The books that gave me a small legacy back home. I convinced him simply by having him smell some of the books. It was that old, musty tome smell. The kind you get in a library, because books sit. Gaming books should not sit, they should be perused, and glanced, referenced.

My friend found it interesting that I leave so much blank space between stuff. I later pointed out that he used that blank space to clarify or add his own notes to it. Thus the blank space.

Now over the years I have also lost interest in those game rules. They just didn't have the impact to me they did back then. So I looked up new systems, especially ones I could use with my kids since they seemed interested in these books I keep reading and writing notes about.

I have come to Traveller and Savage Worlds. These systems are comprehensive, yet incredibly simple.

So now I write, I plan, I scheme, I map. All with the intent that my family and I will move up to where our friends and other family are. They have already told me that they expect me to pick up my game mastering position. I told them I was rusty as heck! They said that should make it even more interesting.

You can see here that I use little flags to label sections, currently I have rules n refs, Judge Dredd (JD) and Stories.

So as you read, I have these ideas, I have notes upon notes of scenarios and campaigns. Some I am able to run my kids through as a play test. Most are too complicated for them. So until I am able to get a steady story going, with a more adult group, I find it unfortunate that I will continue to live in mostly theory.

I have also though of making a post on how I use my notebooks. Cause I do printouts, paperclips, and glue stuff in.

Mercy Thompson (Traveller Character 3)

2012-08-14T14:24:00.001-04:00

Welcome Mercedes Thompson to the crew. She has a rather exceptional record as a maintanence officer aboard many a naval ships leading to her assistance in the building of the Solar Hope. So when the Systemic Expansion Foundation needed an engineer for the Hope, they went straight for her.

Mercy started her career under an engineer that had ideas many deemed irrational, Rocket engines, Ray guns, and mind control helmets. Mercy learned much in her time with him. She took this meanderings and out of the box thinking styles on to her other Naval assignments.
She was able to eek the most of drives and equipment used to gather materials to rebuild their technology. During an inspection of proposed plans there was an assassination attempt on the Vice Technologists of the SEF. She spotted this in time and was able to stop it. Unfotunalty the assassin escaped. With her technical knowledge, and now her bravery The Vice Technologist had her immediatly Commissioned to show her importance. He also selected her to assist personnaly in the building of the Solar Hope.

Ships of Avalar Pt 3

2012-08-12T12:46:00.000-04:00

On the planet is a religious body that believes Alavar should rise above all other governments in the reach of their influence. They have begun making a fleet of experimental warships and fighters. Their first venture was the Colossus.

Th Legion of Avalar will be discussed further in future publications.

Ships of Avalar Pt 2

2012-08-10T12:32:00.000-04:00

Next is a set of fighters based on the same principle as the Solar class Cruisers. These fighters will be modular so as to easily fit any role it may need. Attached is the the common Long range fighter.

The ships of Avalar

2012-08-06T12:29:00.003-04:00

The characters will be riding around on a loaned ship from the Systemic Expansion Foundation. They will be using the Multi Service Vehicle 001SH "Solar Hope".
Attached is a read out as will be used with the Full Thrust system.

To allow exploration of possibly exploitable planets, the ship comes with a 10t tracked APC. This ship also sports a very high end Sensor suite. It is also defended by a Class 2 Laser turret near the stern.

This ship is loosly based on the Scout hull. Also things may not add up right as I was making these sheets more for playability than by the book.

Many of the ships I post may/will not be legal by the book. It is just some of the details that need to be cut/changed when playing with children/newbies.

Dr. Leingod (Traveller Character 2)

2012-08-01T10:55:00.000-04:00

On the Solar Hope (the characters loaned experimental ship) is assigned Dr. Sylvester Leingod. He was born to a rather wealthy family on Avalar. It was quickly discovered he was a boy genius. He quickly moved through the ranks of scholars and intellectuals, finding that too many are either pompous or oblivious.

He spent the majority of his years on remote planets doing excavations and studies. He discovered many new creatures and found ways to integrate microbes to extend air supplies in Vacc suits. Through out this all though he still gallivanted and caroused his way from one high court to another. Leaving a trail of broken hearts and angry diplomats behind.

His social life finally caught up with him when one of the Family's accountants was able to make him responsible for his debts and actions. After some years going from court to court mending problems, he was offered a way out through the Systemic Expansion Foundation.

He was to become the science officer aboard the Solar Hope and help accomplish the mission of "prosperity."

Not sure if it is completely evident, but as the dice rolls where made, I could see this character more and more like Dr. Zarkhov from the old Flash Gordon show. Able to come up with a solution to near anything, and quickly.

Traveller Game begginings

2012-07-22T21:06:00.000-04:00

So due to my inability to visit friends often enough, the Savage worlds game is on hold. Due to my son being in the hospital for an unknown amount of time, games of Judge Dredd have come to a crawl.
So to scratch that gamin itch, I will be starting a semi-solo campaign with my daughter.

She will be playing Nancy Goodaim. She was chosen to captain a new experimental ship. This ship will explore surrounding systems, putting Alavar back into the galactic soup of Foreven sector.

Yes extremely basic but I too need to learn the rules before I can introduce them to my friends. Though I may take the advice I saw somewhere and just do character creation as the "introductory" session.

Also just to make space combat a little easier, I will be using the Full thrust free rules.